DIY Bunk Bed With Stairs

By Mr.BuildIt

SKILL
advanced

Follow these steps to create a dream loft bunk bed with stairs!

Tools

  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jig Saw
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 8-1/4" Table Saw
  • 18V ONE+ Multi-Tool
  • 18V ONE+ 10 oz. Caulk and Adhesive Gun
  • 18V ONE+ Compact Router
  • 18V ONE+ 3/8" Crown Stapler
  • 18V ONE+ Heat Gun
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 4-Mode 1/4" Impact Driver
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4" Circular saw
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 10" Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit

Materials

  • 1-1/2” brad nails
  • 1-1/2” screws
  • 1x2 Boards
  • 1”x2” PVC Trim
  • 2x4's
  • 3/4" Plywood
  • Bead board
  • Clamps
  • Drawer Handles
  • Drawer Slides
  • Fabric
  • Fabric Batting
  • Foam
  • LED Light Strips
  • Paint
  • Shiplap Boards
  • T-50 Crown Staples
  • Wood Glue
  • Wooden Trim

Steps

Step 1

Using a multi tool, remove any trim that will prevent the frame sitting flush to the wall.

Tools

Multi-Tool

Step 2

Cut 2”x4” boards to the lengths that will fit your space. Create a sturdy frame with these, leaving room for the staircase on one side. The horizontal boards should be at the height you would like each mattress/platform to rest.

Tools

Miter Saw, Drill, Impact Driver

Materials

2x4 Boards; Screws

Step 3

Using 2”x4” boards, create a box frame consistent with the dimensions of the mattress you will be using. Attach to main frame.

Tools

Miter Saw, Drill, Impact Driver

Materials

2x4 Boards, Screws

Step 4

Cut 3/4” plywood to the dimensions of your frame. Using a brad nailer, attach these to the frame in all places you desire a wall. Use screws for the weight-bearing pieces.

Tools

Circular Saw, Brad Nailer, Impact Driver

Materials

3/4" Plywood; Screws

Step 5

Using the plywood, create the arch for the top bunk. Place a small screw in the center of the board, attach a string, and attach a pencil to the other end of the string. This should be the length of the radius of the arch.

Tools

Impact Driver

Materials

3/4" Plywood, Screw, String, Pencil

Step 6

Use a circular saw to cut the straight edges/legs of the arch. Cut from the edge of the board to the edges of the circle. Ensure that the total height of this board fits your space. Use a jig saw to cut the rounded top. Sand for smoothness.

Tools

Circular Saw, Jig Saw, Sander

Step 7

Attach the arch to the front of the top bunk using screws and a brad nailer, and finish adding plywood to cover any open spots on the frame.

Tools

Impact Driver, Brad Nailer

Materials

Screws

Step 8

Using plywood, create the side frames of the stairs to fit your space. Use a circular saw to cut these out, then drill pocket holes to attach sides to base and back panels.

Tools

Circular Saw, Drill

Materials

3/4" Plywood

Step 9

Attach stairs to side of bed using screws.

Tools

Impact Driver

Materials

Screws

Step 10

Using sturdy boards (1”-by or 2”-by) create support slats. Attach these to the frame using screws.

Tools

Impact Driver; Miter Saw

Materials

2x4 Boards, Screws

Step 11

Create face-frames for each step where you will put a drawer.

Tools

Miter Saw, Brad Nailer

Materials

Plywood

Step 12

Build out boxes for drawers using plywood.

Tools

Table Saw, Drill

Materials

Plywood

Step 13

Attach drawer slides to inside of stair frame and to outside of drawer boxes.

Tools

Impact Driver

Materials

Drawer Slides

Step 14

Attach top of stair to staircase frame.

Tools

Impact Driver

Materials

Plywood

Step 15

Attach drawer faces and drawer handles.

Tools

Impact Driver

Materials

Plywood, Drawer Handles

Step 16

Create and attach smaller arch for doorway using plywood.

Tools

Circular Saw, Jig Saw, Brad Nailer

Materials

Plywood, Screws

Step 17

Using trim, add any desired trim around your base and bedframe.

Tools

Brad Nailer

Materials

Trim

Step 18

Using 1”x2” PVC trim and a heat gun, heat the material so it bends to the shape of your arches. Attach to underside of arches using a brad nailer.

Tools

Miter Saw, Heat Gun, Brad Nailer

Materials

1x2 PVC Trim

Step 19

Cut shiplap to lengths that will fit your space, and attach to back wall. Place nails on the tongues of the shiplap boards to hide them from view.

Tools

Miter Saw, Brad Nailer

Materials

Shiplap Boards

Step 20

Using 1”-by boards, create a guard rail to fit the opening of the top bunk. Attach under the arch.

Tools

Miter Saw, Impact Driver

Materials

1x Boards

Step 21

Using 2”x2” boards create a basic frame and attach bead board. Using a router, carve out any desired shapes.

Tools

Miter Saw, Brad Nailer, Router

Materials

2x2 Boards, Beadboard

Step 22

Paint bunk beds as desired.

Materials

Paint

Step 23

Attach LED light strip to back of bead board so light will show through the cut-out shapes. Attach bead board to roof of top bunk. Ensure the power cord can fall back through to reach an outlet. Add any desired trim.

Tools

Impact Driver, Brad Nailer

Materials

LED Light Strip, Trim

Step 24

Wrap plywood in foam, fabric, and batting. Staple tightly to back. Repeat for as many boards as needed to fit your space. Attach all to plywood, and attach plywood to back wall.

Tools

Stapler, Impact Driver

Materials

Plywood, Foam, Fabric, Batting